There have been reports of talks between the clubs for several months, but the Viola appear to be stepping up their interest after English sides joined the race.

“There has been a concrete offer from Fiorentina, but we decided along with Clasie to only discuss his contract at the end of the season,” technical director Martin Van Geel told Voetbal International.

“We will make one more attempt to hold on to the player, but if they are offering a lot of money and the player wants to leave, then we have to listen to the proposal.”

The 21-year-old Dutch international is thought to be worth around €6m.